apologists
Those who justify
Apologists are defenders of a controversial position, doctrine, or institution.
The term originally described those who wrote formal defenses of Christianity, but now usually carries a negative connotation—suggesting someone who defends the indefensible or makes excuses for wrongdoing: apologists for the regime, corporate apologists.
The singular is apologist.
Top competitor, or advocate
- advocatePublic cause supporter
- defenderOne who guards another
- protectorOne who safeguards others
- vindicatorOne who justifies
supporter · ally · backer · proponent · upholder · guardian · spokesperson · endorser
Protection against harm
- excuseOffered reason for wrongdoing
- explanationStatement making something clear
- rationaleStated basis for action
- reasoningDrawing logical conclusions
vindication · argument · mitigation · extenuation · legitimization · warrant · basis · grounds
Rapid rotation around axis
- whitewashConceal or coat pale
- sophistryDeceptive reasoning
- equivocationAmbiguous language avoiding commitment
- casuistryApplying principles to particulars
obfuscation · distortion · glossing · deflection · minimization · evasion · disingenuousness · propaganda
Formal argument on issues
- disputeVerbal clash over differences
- contentionAssertion or rivalry
- disagreementAbsence of shared opinion
- dissentDisagreement with authority
opposition · criticism · backlash · conflict · clash · friction · tension · discord
champion
Top competitor, or advocate
vindicator · supporter · ally · backer · proponent · upholder · guardian · spokesperson · endorser · believer
defense
Protection against harm
- excuseOffered reason for wrongdoing
- explanationStatement making something clear
- rationaleStated basis for action
reasoning · vindication · argument · mitigation · extenuation · legitimization · warrant · basis · grounds · plea
spin
Rapid rotation around axis
- whitewashConceal or coat pale
- sophistryDeceptive reasoning
- equivocationAmbiguous language avoiding commitment
casuistry · obfuscation · distortion · glossing · deflection · minimization · evasion · disingenuousness · propaganda · persuasion
debate
Formal argument on issues
- disputeVerbal clash over differences
- contentionAssertion or rivalry
- disagreementAbsence of shared opinion
dissent · opposition · criticism · backlash · conflict · clash · friction · tension · discord · uproar
- Christian ScholarsAugustine, Aquinas, Thomas Aquinas, Jerome, Athanasius
- early churchapostles, early church, Church Fathers, apostolic fathers, Acts of the Apostles
- opinion makerspundits, commentators, columnists, editorialists, op-ed writers
- patristicsChurch Fathers, church fathers, Cyril of Alexandria, Cappadocian Fathers, apostolic fathers
- admirersfans, devotees, followers, enthusiasts, admirers
- supportersfan, patron, supporters, backers, backer
apologistscritics
Those who evaluate work
detractors · accusers · denouncers · condemners · attackers
apologistswhistleblowers
Those exposing organizational misconduct
prosecutors · muckrakers · exposers · debunkers · truth-tellers